4 hidden Windows tweaks to speed up your computer

Windows 10 impresses in many ways, like the tight integration of voice control with Cortana, and the way the software adapts to fit both tablets and laptops. At the same time, it can't completely escape its past: The operating system remains a huge, labyrinthine piece of software, the opposite of streamlined and efficient. As the years pass, files and applications pile up, the hardware ages, and as a result, you'll often find an older Windows computer slowing down...and down...and down.

You don't have to settle for this increasing sluggishness. First, attempt a few simple speed boosts, such as removing bloatware and cutting down on browser extensions. If these solutions don't help, try these four advanced tricks. From tidying up the hidden Windows settings file to controlling which apps start up when the operating system does, this guide should improve any Windows computer's performance.

1. Manage automatic application launches

Task Manager
The Windows 10 Task Manager.

David Nield/Popular Science

When you turn on your computer, Windows starts up—and so do a bunch of applications and background utilities. While this automatic launch aims to ensure that apps will be ready and waiting as soon as Windows loads, it adds extra time to the computer's boot-up process, as everything tries to open at the same time. And the system doesn't make it very clear to the user which programs are included on its automatic startup list.

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